An engaging new EP from Mang, On The Low infuses dreamy electronic atmospherics within lyrical sentiments of yearning and heartrending love. The smooth vocals and hooky refrains exist seamlessly within productions that remind fondly of Frank Ocean’s textured, nostalgic soulfulness — resulting in a stirring overall sound across the EP’s four tracks.
Opening the release, “LOST IN U” crafts an immersive soundscape with its spacey synth tones, glimpses of strings, and hypnotic rhythmic buzzing. “All I need is you,” the vocals repeat with palpable yearning, lamenting that “the truth is so hard to find” as a title-referencing vocal briskness takes hold. The lead vocal’s dreamy tone, in addition to the soulfully lush emergence in the closing moments, makes for a production particularly reminiscent of Frank Ocean. The ensuing “DON’T LEAVE” — which features production from William Binderup — continues that sense of longing, beckoning to “stay with me, don’t leave” as serene keys and synths intermingle with click-clacking rhythms. It marks another atmospheric success with ample emotional heart.
“Take all the time you need,” a calmer vocal disposition stirs on “TIME U NEED,” where starry-eyed electronic elements pair dream-pop and R&B with replay-inducing appeal. A murky vocal effect combines with reverbed percussive pitter-pattering for an especially resonating conclusion. Finale “HOW WE STARTED” consumes in a piano-set balladry, marveling “look at how we started, let’s go farther” as infectious vocal samples play as a rhythmic element, alternating between the calming piano-directed introspection and punchy electro-pop glimmering. All four tracks on Mang’s On The Low EP thoroughly succeed with memorable soundscapes and emotive sincerity.
